Sunday saw the second division take centre stage as Division Two champions Shuttle & Loom faced runners-up Hurworth Albion, for the second time in just over a week, in the Darlington Motor Factors Division Two Cup Final.

Once more both sides served up fantastic performances that will have several Division One sides worrying, and, once again, there was nothing to separate the two sides. Chris Airey put the Shuttle ahead midway through a very even first half, but Hurworth responded well and Marc Radmore struck an equaliser before the Albion took a 2-1 lead thanks to an unfortunate own-goal.

Hurworth carried the lead into the break, but the Shuttle pressed hard in the second half and deservedly drew level as Airey struck his second of the game from just inside the 18-yard box. Airey's goal turned out to be the final goal in the regulation 90 minutes, and, after an additional 30 minutes extra time, the scores remained level as the sides faced the lottery of a penalty shoot-out.

A sizeable crowd gathered behind the goal at the RA ground as the tension increased with the scores level at 4-4 after nine penalties. It was down to Darren Hickey to hold his nerve with the Shuttle's final penalty, and he slotted home exquisitely to complete a second division double for the Shuttle & Loom and break Albion hearts. Steve Henry from Darlington Motor Factors and league chairman Martin Landers presented the teams and officials with their medals after the games - and that is sure to have kick-started quite a party at the Shuttle & Loom on Sunday night!

Meanwhile, in Division One both Coundon Forresters and Newton Aycliffe Sports Club are closing the gap between themselves and Spraire RA at the top of the league. On Thursday night both Aycliffe and Coundon picked up victories in games that they had in hand on the top side to leave Spraire looking nervously over their shoulders. Newton Aycliffe Sports Club picked up the most convincing victory of the two sides as they slammed eight goals past Hoppers Transport without reply, whilst the Forresters came back from a 2-1 deficit to beat Speedwell 4-2 and maintain their second position.

On Sunday, Aycliffe then took the opportunity to move into third place in the table with both hands as they beat mid-table Brinkburn 6-3 thanks to goals from Karl Black (2), Wayne Anderson, John Shotton, Andrew Turner and Craig Barrigan. Dave Lewis, Steve Appleby and Stu Wayper found the back of the net for a Brinkburn side that were reduced to ten men through the game as Paul Dunnett was sent off for two bookable offences.

Meanwhile, Coundon remained just a point ahead of the Sports Club despite their game against East End WMC being postponed due to the EastEnder's inability to field more than four players - a problem that sees them lose three points, but more importantly increases Coundon's back-log of fixtures. Spraire meanwhile defeated the Northern Echo 4-0, but only have one game to play whilst Coundon and Aycliffe have three and four respectively - more than enough to overcome the points advantage that Spraire hold.

Thursday evening also saw the final game in Division Two this season as Hurworth Albion beat Bishop Auckland Cricket Club 4-0.

Sunday also saw some Division Two teams play their final games of the season. Nestfield Seconds beat Newton Cap 5-3 whilst Royal British Legion defeated champions AFC Orange 4-3 to avenge their cup defeat, despite the Legion only being able to field nine men! Trevor Cook found the back of the Orange net twice whilst Peter Leonard and Jimmy McCabe also scored for the Legion. Richard Parsons (2) and Chris Wardell notched for Orange, but the game unfortunately ended on a sour note as a Royal British Legion player was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg.

Bowman Anderson Accountants Spennymoor Sunday League

OLD Shildon beat Green Tree in the semi-finals of the League Cup last week to set up a mouth-watering final with the Huntsman.

Shildon - who last season lost the finals of both the League Cup and the Invitation Cup - are hoping to put that right this time around with victory at Spennymoor United's Brewery Field in May after going through 4-0 - comfortably achieved by a Paul Whensley hat-trick and one by Michael Dowson.

"We're obviously hoping to win it this year," said Old Shildon Secretary Sharron Hedley. "We were twice beaten in finals last season and this is our only final this year, so although we're pleased to have reached another final, we desperately want to win it."

Huntsman dramatically dumped Royal George out at the semi stage with a nail-biting penalty shoot-out last Sunday.

Steve Hepples put Huntsman 1-0 up, but Pat Bowtell equalised with three minutes left. Darryl Meadows them made it 2-1 to the George, but James Alderson grabbed Huntsman's equaliser in the third minute of injury time.

Meadows made it 3-2 to George, but with just two minutes left of extra-time, Morgan Fielding again equalised for Huntsman, who went on to win the shoot-out 3-2.

"We were absolutely gutted," admitted George manager Stuart Timmiss. "To be 2-1 up with literally seconds left and concede is devastating. But we regained the lead and should have held on - but we haven't. Penalty shoot-outs are a lottery and unfortunately it wasn't our turn, so good luck to the Huntsman!"

Binchester Social Club and Broompark Loves go head-to-head this Sunday in the first of five exciting finals at Brewery Field, Spennymoor. The two will contend the Second Division Cup. Entry is free to everyone and drinks are available from the clubhouse.

Meanwhile, Huntsman and Eldon Lane perform a dress rehearsal for the First Division Cup this Sunday when they meet in the league - the final is next Sunday.

The Invitation Cup Final between Spennymoor Thorns and Europa will be held on Friday May 10, the B&A Trophy Final between Broompark Loves and Postchaise will go ahead on Sunday, May 12, and the League Cup Final between Old Shildon and Huntsman will be played on Sunday, May 19.

In Division One last week, Newton Aycliffe moved up to fourth with a comfortable 6-0 win against Salvins. Martin Walker (3), Dave Muir, Mark Armstrong and Paul Stevens scored the goals.

Leaders New Masons beat Laceys 6-1, while Eldon Lane recorded a shock 4-2 win over Europa. Bottom-of-the-table Horndale beat The Grand 6-2.

In Division Two, Broompark Loves loosened their grip on the title when they slipped up at at Postchaise. Ray Walton scored to give fourth-placed Postchaise victory.

That allowed current leaders Spennymoor Thorns to increase their lead at the top after they beat Black Horse 4-2. Keith Hurst (2), Stephen Richardson and an own goal did the damage.

Two Blues drew 1-1 with Brawns Den. David Brown scored for Blues and Dale Phillips for the Den.

l The league is reminding club secretaries that the final League Meeting of the season takes place next Wednesday (May 1) in the clubhouse at Brewery Field, Spennymoor.

Meanwhile, the end-of-season presentation night will be held on Friday, June 7 at Newton Aycliffe WMC. Any teams wanting tickets can contact Chairman Brian Boughen on 01388 811874 or Secretary Mike Clarke on 07736 800604.

Results round-up, Tuesday, April 16 - Division One: Huntsman 3, Salvins 1.

Invitation Cup SFs: Brawns Den 1, Spennymoor Thorns 3; Newton Aycliffe 1, Europa 2.

Thursday, April 18 - Division Two: Green Tree 3, Shildon Athletic 2; Two Blues 1, Postchaise 1; Pit Laddie 1, Brawns Den 0; Broompark Loves 3, Masons United 1; Binchester Social Club 3; Black Horse 3.

Sunday, April 21 - Division One: Eldon Lane 4, Europa 2; Newton Aycliffe 6, Salvins 0; Horndale 6, The Grand 2; Laceys 1, New Masons 6.

Division Two: Postchaise 1, Broompark Loves 0; S.Thorns 4, Black Horse 2; Two Blues 1, Brawns Den 1; Locomotion 1, Shildon Athletic 3; Pit Laddie 3, North Briton 4.

League Cup SFs: Green Tree 0, Old Shildon 4; Royal George 3, Huntsman 3 (Huntsman won 3-2 on penalties).

T and M Disco Crook and District League

Earl of Warwick cleared another hurdle in the championship chase when they ended the hopes of Stanhope Town. The Warwick took an early lead and led 2-0 at half time on their way to a deserved 5-0 win. Anthony Bailes notched a hat trick and Andrew Bowes bagged a brace.

Stanhope Town may have set an all comers record with no fewer than three different players of the year. The club vote went to Wayne Fletcher, the players voted for his brother, Darren, whilst sponsors WMC opted for Christopher Davies.

Hathaway Auckland and District League

Black and Decker became the first side to win a trophy when they defeated Coxhoe Athletic 4-0 in a well attended Auckland Charity Cup final. Coxhoe were never in the hunt and Black and Decker thoroughly deserved their success.

The sides will meet again in the final of the Weardale Cup after Black and Decker defeated Cleveland Bridge in the semi final. Wayne Buckley cancelled out a Black and Decker opener but the visitors went on to win 3-1 through Kirk Warburton (2) and Derek Cooper.

Coxhoe reached the final of the Washington Aged Peoples Trophy knocking out previously unbeaten Hartlepool Boys Welfare. An 80th minute goal from Scott Richards ensured the Coxhoe success against really strong opposition.

The title race could well be decided with the final game of the season. Cockfield remain favourites but they have taken just one point from two games and Brandon Station's winning run continued at DSRM. The only goal came on the half hour from Stephen Graham.

Quinns Inn and Shildon Railway fought out a dour 0-0 draw. Most of the chances fell to the Railway but they were few and far between.

Wear Valley

Sunday League

There are vacancies for next season and any sides wishing to join should contact the league secretary Tommy Waggott on (01388) 608802.

Darlington Church and Friendly League

The Final of the League's Cup Final between RA Youth and The Mowden will be played on Wednesday, May 1 (6.30pm).

Any teams wishing to join the League in time for next season should contact either Mr J Parker, 368 Geneva Road, Darlington, DL1 4HG (01325) 487910, or, Mr GS Simpson, 159 Minors Crescent, Darlington, DL3 0DJ (01325) 484678.